Theme and Variations

Compose and perform a song using Theme and Variations. Students will change rhythms, transpositions, time signatures, instruments, dynamics and adjust tempos. In addition, students will add harmony using I & V7 chords.

12 Bar Blues Composition

Explain, identify and apply the 12-bar blues chord sequence. Create a melody that fits over the 12-bar blues chord sequence.

Beginning Band 5-Note Melody Composition

Create a four measure melody using the first five notes the have learned.

ABA Composition

Students will write a melody in the Key of C Major, and compose a harmonic bass line to accompany the melody, while following the checklist listed below.

1.____ Melody uses Repetition, Sequence, or Inversion
2.____ Melody has ABA Form
3.____ Melody is in C Major
4.____ Composition is written in 4/4 time, 4 beats per measure
5.____ Bass notes support melody
6.____ Notation is written with correct stem up or stem down
7.____ Title for Composition
8.____ ABA Form are related in idea and sound
9.____ Composition sounds complete

Composition in ABA Form

Create an ABA composition including melody and provide accompaniments using Noteflight. Classmates can then provide useful feedback regarding their compositions.

Creating Harmony in 3rds and 6ths

Notate a harmonized line to a given melody, perform a partner duet using harmony a 3rd or 6th below the melody, and assess the difference in sound between a harmony line a 3rd below versus a 6th below.

AP Music Theory: Species II Counterpoint – C Minor

The goal is to provide mid-year AP Music Theory students with the opportunity to write simple Species II counterpoint. The focal key is C minor. Staying in one key gives students the students the opportunity to get comfortable writing in (harmonic) minor and gain fluidity specifically in C minor. The third exercise offers students the chance to harmonize the leading tone of a secondary dominant (V/V).

Rhythm Round Up

Students will practice and improve reading different types of notes.
Whole Notes, whole rests
half notes, half rests,
quarter notes, quarter rests and
eighth notes and eighth rests.
This worksheet can be used with large or small groups. Perfect for a warm up or for reinforcing difficult rhythms and counting.

Note Name Practice, Beginning Strings

Beginning Strings students will work on writing note names under each note and figuring out the names of some familiar folk songs.
Students begin by filling in note names, students can work alone or in small groups.
Once finished with note names, students can practice playing the songs to see if they recognize the songs.
This lesson is perfect right after students have learned the notes in their D Major scale.

This lesson reinforces the notes on the D and A string (G string for basses) and teaches students some beginner folk songs.

Answers to Worksheet
1. Mary Had a Little Lamb or Rolling Along
2. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
3. Hot Cross Buns
4. Jingle Bells
5. Old MacDonald

String Bowing Workout

A warm up for intermediate string ensembles wishing to work on their bowing styles.
This lesson allows all instruments to practice slurs, staccato, etc, while focusing on the D Major scale.

This lesson is perfect for intermediate strings who wish to work on bowing styles as an ensemble.
Students can work on intonation and uniformity playing as an ensemble.
Can be used in large music classroom or small group instruction.
Can be played together or individually.
Can also be used in small group or one on one lessons.